Culture
Young Artist tells government to encourage Art to boost Nigeria’s economy
By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Abuja
A young artist, Miss Ifunanya Anunobi has advised the government at levels to encourage Art in order to boost the country’s economy.
Anunobi, a graduate of History and International Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who has chosen to go into her talent, art, addressed journalists recently in Abuja.
The Artist making explanations about her Artworks
Making her points, she said that Artists, if encouraged would not only be self-employed, but also train many others who, according to her would stand on their own, without depending on the government for employment.
Explaining why she ventured into the profession, she said: “At the age of 12, I tried replicating a cartoon I saw and discovered my knack for drawing. Over time, I developed a habit of drawing anything I saw, finding solace and joy in the process.”
She continued: “Encouraged by my uncle, the former Police Service Commission Chairman, Chief Simon Okeke, I decided to transition into a full-time artist after my youth service in Abuja in 2022. I received validation of my talent from my uncle, who emphasized that it was a gift from God.
“With his encouragement, I delved deeper into art, progressing from drawing to painting, allowing me to express myself fully.”
When asked, if she was being coached by any expert, she said: “I seek advice concerning Art from people like the president of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Mr Mohammed Suleiman and I do also talk to some Artist friends I met in Abuja here for guidance.”
She acknowledged the challenges of the profession, including emotional strains and financial instability but has decided to remain dedicated to her craft, by planning a solo exhibition in Abuja to showcase her works.
When pressed further, she responded thus: “I can say yes, because this is a passion and talent and it gives me joy. Although, I like what I studied in the university, but as you can see, this is my talent and the passion I have for it has overtaken what I studied in the university.”
When asked if she was being assisted by the government, having been able to come out with such beautiful Artworks, she responded thus: “I haven’t, but what I have been doing is participating in competitions, if you are lucky, you get it, if you aren’t, you won’t. However, what I would like the government to do is to encourage the art market, because the market is poor and thus affecting the upcoming Artists.
“And if there is an exhibition opportunity, we the upcoming artists won’t be able to participate, because most of us don’t have money to pay for spaces in a gallery. Even if you are able to participate, most Nigerians would just come, look at the Artworks and go without buying any. So to that, I urge Nigerians to become more interested in art and support artists, because art is also an investment. The Artwork you bought at say, N100 thousand can be resold at N2 million in about four to five years time.
Reiterating why the government should come in to empower those in the profession, the young artist has this to say: “If empowered, we shall contribute immensely to the economy, in the areas of teaching and training people who will be on their own. “By so doing, you have generated employments and the economy will be growing. So I advise Nigerians and the governments at all levels to encourage art and emerging artists who try their best to bring in colours to our turbulent society.”
In a bid to reposition Nigeria as the epicenter of African culture, tourism, and economic growth, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has partnered with Discover Motherland Africa to launch the Motherland 2025 initiative. 
The project, unveiled at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, is aimed at transforming Nigeria into a global cultural hub, drawing in diaspora communities, investors, and tourists alike.
Speaking at the event, Minister Musawa described Motherland 2025 as “more than a festival”—a transformative movement that aligns with the Federal Ministry’s Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy.
She highlighted how the initiative leverages Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to foster global engagement and drive economic growth.
“Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. A movement inviting our global brothers and sisters to reconnect with their heritage while contributing to Nigeria’s economic and cultural renaissance,” Musawa said. “This is a call to the Diaspora and beyond. From investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, this initiative invites global stakeholders to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse.”
A statement be the media adviser to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement explained that the initiative includes a wide range of programs designed to engage both Nigerians and the global community in a week-long celebration featuring State Pavilions, Business Exhibitions, and cultural showcases from Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
According to the statement it will also feature A photo and video contest encouraging participants to depict Nigeria’s landscapes, traditions, and communities through visual storytelling.
Explaining further the statement said it will feature a centralized platform simplifying travel logistics for both domestic and international visitors.
A groundbreaking scheme allowing diaspora members and foreign investors to gain citizenship through national development contributions will also be unveiled according to the statement.
The media adviser also pointed out that a dedicated initiative to streamline the integration of diaspora communities into Nigeria’s social and economic landscape.
She said there will be an event recognizing outstanding diaspora leaders who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
“The festival will conclude with a high-energy concert featuring top Nigerian and international artists, celebrating the nation’s vibrant music scene.
She quoted the minister, Musawa to have also emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies, ministries, and the private sector to ensure the success of the initiative.
“The success of Motherland 2025 relies on strong partnerships. We invite policymakers, cultural institutions, investors, and development organizations to join forces in shaping Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy,” she said.
In her remarks, Chidimma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, underscored the initiative’s role in reconnecting the Nigerian diaspora to their roots while unlocking opportunities for investment and cultural pride.
“Motherland is a homecoming. It is a journey. It is a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism,” Nwankwo said. “Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation. Not just to visit, but to engage, to contribute, and to become part of something bigger.”
Motherland 2025 is expected to attract thousands of participants from across the globe, solidifying Nigeria’s role as a leader in Africa’s cultural, economic, and tourism sectors.
***Public-Private Partnership to Transform Cultural, Tourism, Creative Sectors
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIC), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) designed to bridge the infrastructure gap in Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, was presented at Monday’s FEC meeting and is positioned to drive economic diversification, job creation, and cultural preservation.
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the minister, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that the
CTIC will operate under a public-private partnership model, attracting local and international investors to fund and develop world-class infrastructure that supports the creative sector.
The goal is to generate $100 billion for the Nigerian economy and create 2 million jobs, aligning with Presidential Priority 7 on economic diversification.
Key Features of CTIC according to the statement included Strategic Partnerships by Engaging AFREXIM, IFC, World Bank, AfDB, AFD, EU, Ford & Rockefeller Foundations, and UNESCO for funding and expertise.
The other feature according to the statement is Governance Structure whereby the Nigerian Government will hold a 25-49% minority stake through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), ensuring private-sector efficiency and leadership.
The statement listed Flagship Projects to include the rehabilitation of Obudu Resort and Yankari Game Reserve, development of Abuja Creative City and Creation of 5,000 cinema screens nationwide
Others are the Wole Soyinka Creative City in Lagos, Launch of a Centre for African Arts and a New Era for Nigeria’s Creative Economy
Minister Hannatu Musawa emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure in unlocking Nigeria’s full creative potential.
“Everyone recognizes Nigeria’s creativity—our films, music, and fashion dominate globally. But without the right infrastructure, we can’t maximize this potential. Imagine if ‘Detty December’ in Lagos had world-class venues—the economic impact would be exponential.”
The CTIC approval is signal a major shift towards making Nigeria a global hub for tourism, film, music, and cultural heritage, positioning the country as a leading player in the global creative economy.
With FEC’s approval, the government is set to mobilize investors, develop priority projects, and implement innovative financing models to bring this vision to life.
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, in collaboration with MADhouse by Tikera Africa, has launched a call for applications for the ‘Re-imagining Hope Residency’, a 6-week immersive program designed to empower Nigerian creatives.
Special adviser on media and publicity to the minister Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that the residency will select 20 exceptional visual artists from across Nigeria and provide them with a structured mentorship experience, collaborative workshops, and open studio events aimed at addressing societal challenges through artistic expression.
The statement quoted the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, to indicated that the initiative is a strategic step towards harnessing the power of creativity for national development.
“This program underscores the critical role of the creative industry in shaping national identity and addressing societal challenges. By empowering our creatives, we are investing in Nigeria’s future as a cultural and artistic powerhouse,” Musawa stated.
Osarume Akenzua, the Director of Innovation and Enterprise at Tikera Africa, highlighted the program’s broader impact, noting that:
“This residency is more than an artistic journey; it is a mission to re-imagine how art can build bridges, inspire unity, and catalyze change in the creative economy.”
The residency will run in two streams during the first and second quarters of 2025, providing participants with access to state-of-the-art facilities, shared studio spaces, and cultural excursions designed to deepen their connection to Nigeria’s heritage.
Application Details
Deadline: February 15, 2025
Apply via: https://clapnigeria.taplink.ws/
About MADhouse
MADhouse is a creative enterprise incubator dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural preservation in Nigeria.
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